Administrator, Server

Spire is committed to understanding the needs of the homes and businesses we serve. We believe that offering our customers the best service means bringing together driven, collaborative people who share our values of safety, inclusion, and integrity.

About the role

The Server Administrator will manage the Server ticket queue and maintain and support the organization’s Active Directory, virtual and physical server, and Office 365 environments. This role provides Tier II support for escalated user issues, participates in disaster recovery functions, file restores, testing and supporting server applications, and collaborates with the Patch Management Group on server patching.

Responsibilities

• Handle requests for deploying new virtual and physical environments using documentation provided by the Data Center Engineering group.
• Monitor and manage nightly backups, remediate issues, and execute file restores as requested.
• Maintain server configurations; participate in configuration, firmware, and operating system upgrades in collaboration with the Patch Management and Lifecycle Asset Management teams.
• Monitor the operation and performance of server infrastructure to proactively address server function and recommend adjustments and improvements.
• Notify team members in a timely manner of service interruptions or other significant problems; take corrective action as directed.
• Collaborate with Lifecycle Asset Administrators to maintain an accurate inventory of all physical server equipment and hosts, including warranty, location, and end-of-life data; report resource requirements, equipment failures, and exceptions to management.
• Monitor incidents and requests through the Server ticket queue, working on incidents related to server and VMware environments and Office 365.
• Provide Tier II support by escalating tickets and, when necessary, collaborate with Data Center Engineering to research and resolve Tier III issues.
• Work with Smart Desk Analysts to respond to issues and update the knowledge database.
• Provide personal and telephone support on user-related issues.
• Ensure procedures and processes related to Sarbanes-Oxley are followed and update procedures as necessary.
• Review processes and procedures, update existing documentation, and develop and document new processes with all affected groups.
• Ensure server diagrams are consistently updated to reflect current environment layouts and collaborate with application teams on application server diagrams.
• Participate in daily production checks of server performance and functions.
• Troubleshoot and resolve performance issues using diagnostic tools to determine root causes.
• Participate in trending and forecasting of usage, bandwidth, and performance to ensure the server environment operates at optimal performance.
• Interact with vendors/providers to solve problems, schedule patching, and stay informed of maintenance windows and other changes.
• Assist in educating users about server environments, structure, and performance.
• Collaborate with the Patch Management group to test patches and updates for operating systems and firmware before installation in production environments.
• Work with the Data Center Engineering group on the implementation of new and replacement servers.
• Ensure server changes to production environments have a change control ticket in place, following the Change Control process as specified in the ITSM tool and by the Change Approval Board (CAB).
• Provide application support for Infrastructure-owned applications and tools.
• Participate in the Disaster Recovery process, maintain documentation, and update it as changes occur.
• Contribute to and maintain system standards.
• Perform other server support duties as assigned.
• Obtain and keep current relevant certifications and trainings.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent, required with 4+ years of equivalent work experience in Information Systems/Technology.
• Bachelor’s degree in information technology, computer science, or business information systems preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License, required.
• Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), preferred.
• Red Hat Certified System Administrator or similar, a plus.
• MTA: Windows Server Administration Fundamentals or similar, a plus.

Skills

• Critical thinking skills and sound judgment in all facets of assigned duties.
• Good analytical skills and efficient problem-solving abilities.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to apply critical thinking skills to technical issues and problems.
• Flexibility to adjust to multiple demands, shifting priorities, and rapid change.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, able to produce documentation for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to develop and implement dependable, efficient, and error-free systems that meet user expectations and require minimal support.
• Skills and knowledge relevant to supporting Windows, Linux, and VMware environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport with a diverse array of people.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively to meet individual goals and deadlines.
• Ability to work as part of a team and display a positive attitude in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to improving customer experience and devoted to customer success.
• Belief in a non-hierarchical culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust.

Essential Characteristics

• Ability to lead by example in support of the Company’s values: strong ethics and integrity, dedication to a safe work environment, and commitment to a diverse workforce.
• Ability to adapt to a fast-moving and changing culture.
• Ability to remain patient, calm, and effective in high-pressure situations.
• Ability to take initiative and do what needs to be done without being asked.
• Desire to enhance personal knowledge and skillset with a continuous improvement mindset.
• Ability to respond positively to challenges and problems.

Schedule

• Normal 40-hour work week with required participation in on-call rotation, including after normal work hours and on weekends.
• Department coverage is 7 am to 5 pm with flexibility in schedules to allow for full coverage.
• Occasional overtime and travel may be required as ITS and teams are dispersed geographically across Spire locations.

Physical Demands

• Routinely requires lifting computer hardware weighing up to 25 lbs.
• Office and Service Locations environment.